US Bridges

SR 3 over Shoals Creek

Fair

Morgan County, Alabama · 1.3 M S JCT SR 3 & SR 36 · Structure no. 004547

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
170 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
7,835
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 3 over Shoals Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 3 over Shoals Creek in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 7,835 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,064 by 2033. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 67.7 mi (109 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 3
CrossesShoals Creek
Location1.3 M S JCT SR 3 & SR 36
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyMorgan County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.42667, -86.93
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating33.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,835 (2023)
Projected traffic10,064 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed67.7 mi (109 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 3 over Shoals Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 3 over Shoals Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does SR 3 over Shoals Creek carry?

About 7,835 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 3 over Shoals Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 3 over Shoals Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.